Studentis an honors violinist

PARRISH -- An eighth-grader from Buffalo Creek Middle School has become the school's first musician named to the Florida Music Educators Association's All-State Honors Middle School Orchestra.

Natasha Posada, 13, a violinist, started playing the violin at Buffalo Creek just two years ago but was deemed good enough this year to get eighth chair violin out of about 20 statewide.

"It's an awesome experience," said Natasha. "I really don't know how I could be as talented as I am. When I picked up the violin, I just knew what to do."

Natasha was scheduled to play with other all-staters in a concert at 9:30 a.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.

Natasha is among just a handful of Manatee County students who were selected for all-state, and among them is Nick Miller of Lakewood Ranch High. He qualified for all-state guitar ensemble, said Mustang band director Ron Lambert.

"This is Nick's third year in a row going to all-state in guitar ensemble, which is very rare," Lambert said. "Nick also plays sax in our jazz band."

Sarasota church to host immigration speaker

SARASOTA -- Michael J. Petrucelli, former acting and deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, will speak at an immigration forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Jude's Catholic Church, 3930 17th St., Sarasota.

In addition, immigration experts will be available for free appointments from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday for people to get help filling out immigration applications and to learn about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a memo signed by President Barack Obama and calling for deferred action for certain undocumented young people who came to the United States as children and have pursued higher education or military service here.

There are only 15 openings available for reservation by calling 877-598-4466. Unidos Now, an organization supporting Hispanic issues in Florida, is hosting the appointments.

-- Herald staff reports